For some living in Sheboygan and the surrounding area, Shoreline Metro might not be a household name. For others, they see or use our buses and think of nothing more than an affordable and reliable ride to work, school or appointments. But to most, safety is merely something understood or perhaps not even thought about.

What if Shoreline Metro told you that they traveled over 800,000 miles and operated over 50,000 hours in service and were involved in only two at-fault preventable crashes in 2016? Well, if they told you that, they would be absolutely correct. In fact, Shoreline Metro not only prides itself on safety but also encourages safety through interactive training, extensive on-boarding of new employees, quarterly drug and alcohol testing, bi-annual physicals for employees, an accident monitoring board and employee coaching.

Shoreline Metro also reviews all crashes and incidents on a regular basis and a Safety Committee evaluates these situations for preventability. In 2016, Shoreline Metro was involved in 27 crashes or incidents ranging from passenger trips and falls to hitting fixed objects. But perhaps the most important statistic is zero serious passenger injuries out of the 560,000+ trips provided last year! So when you think Shoreline Metro, think safety. Think affordable. Think reliable.

And think convenient. If you’re new to Shoreline Metro, visit us online at the new www.shorelinemetro.com for 24-hour nonstop access to route schedules, maps and more information on using the services provided. Pull us up on your smartphone or tablet … we’re mobile friendly! Please check out the Trip Planner on our website to assist with using Shoreline Metro. Or if you like the personal touch, schedule a Bus Buddy to assist with your trip planning and travel needs. Both services are complimentary for being a customer of Shoreline Metro. If you’re a social media fanatic, we’re on Facebook, so “like” us today!

For our friends who love even more technology, Shoreline Metro will soon be offering a new service called “Find My Bus,” which is a live real-time map showing the location on route of all Shoreline Metro buses! No more waiting in the rain or snow. No more cold mornings or chilly evenings. Customers will be able to pull up the map, locate their bus and make way to their bus stop. It’s that simple. Look for this new feature making its maiden voyage in summer 2017.

But before your ride is over, be sure to climb aboard the trolley route (The Square) this summer, featuring an authentic wheeled trolley bus. Whether you’re taking the kids for a ride or shopping the fantastic places on South Pier, Riverfront and Downtown, hop on board for a unique all day shopping experience for just a buck! The trolley runs Memorial Day to Labor Day with service on the Fourth of July! Service hours are weekdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Service on the Fourth of July is 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Whether you’re off to work or school, getting a quick bite to eat or shopping for the whole family, we have a route and a stop for you! We understand your transportation needs because it’s what we do. Affordable fares, convenient stops and routes, and friendly professional drivers are just the beginning.

You see, at Shoreline Metro, we’re more than just public transportation. We’re a way of life. Redefine your ride today with Shoreline Metro.

Derek Muench is the City of Sheboygan director of transit & parking. Various city leaders and department heads took over the "A View from City Hall" weekly column during the mayoral race, which concluded this week.